The HiVE Baby Hub and free Clothing Exchange to launch in Strabane

THE Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust), in partnership with Strabane Community Projects Grass Roots Wellness Café & Social Supermarket, funded by the Department for Communities (DfC), administrated by Derry City and Strabane District Council and GP Federation, are launching The HiVe Baby Hub and free Clothing Exchange.

The scheme will be initially launched in Strabane later this month, with plans to roll out across the rural District Electoral Areas of Sperrin and Derg in the coming months.

Western Trust health visitor, Karen Brown, based at Riverside Practice, Strabane and manager of Strabane Community Project, Ursula Doherty, explained: “The HiVe Baby Hub and free Clothing Exchange is a collaborative initiative between the Western Trust, Strabane Community Projects and GP Federation and will launch in Grass Roots Food Market, John Wesley Street, Strabane on Monday, October 27 from 10am to 12pm.

“The Baby Hub is available to any family with children aged 0 to five years, to support them with nappies, baby and family toiletries for a nominal fee, and also a free clothing exchange.

"Strabane is one of the most socioeconomically deprived areas in the entire UK, and it is hoped the hub will support families in need, while also reducing the environmental impact of clothing waste through the recycling initiative.

"Families can refer in to the service via their health visitor, family nurse and social workers or even self-refer at Grass Roots."

Karen continued: “Wraparound services are also available through Grass Roots for ongoing family support.

"The HiVe is currently accepting donations of new baby hygiene products, nappies and clothing in new or good clean wearable condition, and these can be left to Grass Roots, Strabane.

"Thank you to the local community and businesses for their generous support for this important initiative.”

For further information or to arrange a donation or referral, contact Karen Brown on 07825125741 or Grass Roots on 028 71414142.